Pharmacists are playing an increasingly important public health role, in part due to the widespread presence of pharmacies in communities, with nearly 89% of people in the U.S. living within five miles of a pharmacy. In rural areas, pharmacists are often the first point of contact for healthcare advice. In addition, pharmacies often offer extended hours of operation, the ability to administer certain vaccines, and individualized counseling on how to safely use medications.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports increasing access to pharmacists to expand opportunities for adults who want to quit tobacco, particularly in rural communities, where pharmacist‑provided FDA-approved cessation medications and services can help reduce disparities driven by limited access to other healthcare providers.
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